Halftime thoughts: Maryland 17, Iowa 14

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - So that non-fumble call on Maryland C.J. Brown's 3-yard run to the Iowa 1 … That didn't do the Hawkeyes any favors, eh?

Strange game, football. This felt like an Iowa blowout-to-be in the first several minutes. Then Maryland found its footing on both sides of the ball, and the game flipped over.

It went from 14-0 Iowa to 17-14 Maryland, and the Hawkeyes are fortunate to be down by just three points. But for the first time since the Pittsburgh game, things don't feel good for Iowa at halftime.

I picked Iowa to win because I thought Maryland's defense didn't enjoy tackling. But like a lot of defenses, once they start tackling and hurrying and pinching, they start enjoying it. And Iowa's old-school Big Ten offensive attack seems to have blown off to Chesapeake Bay.

It's safe to say this is the best offense Iowa has faced, and the Hawkeye defense isn't passing the test so far after a very good start.

I don't know how long Brown lasts rushing as much as he does, but wowser, he's a devilishly elusive and talented runner. He had six first-half runs ranging from 9 to 19 yards and closed the half with 14 carries for 88 yards.

Terp receiver Stefon Diggs has 6 catches for 59 yards. That's a good half's work.

The Iowa rushing game is back in early-season form, with 19 carries for 56 yards. Five different running backs carried the ball in the half. That's reminiscent of early-season games, too.

On last Monday's 'On Iowa Live,” host Scott Saville asked us all to pick the Hawkeyes' MVP to date.

I was asked to go first, and said Drew Ott. Now, I know Brandon Scherff and Desmond King are obvious choices. But Ott has been pretty terrific this season.

To my surprise, guest Ed Podolak also picked Ott.

Our selections were validated on Maryland's first offensive play when Ott intercepted Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown. Ott then did more of what he's known for, which was pressuring and occasionally sacking the QB. He had two first-quarter sacks.

Saville also asked us how many possessions Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard would get here. I was the only one of the five panelists who said zero.

The game has a long way to go, of course. And I'm not going to tell you about some of my other guesses this season.

What-ifs are the not-so-tasty spice of life. What if Maryland receiver Marcus Leak hadn't dropped a long pass on the Terps' second possession?

Then again, what if Iowa tight end Jake Duzey had held on to the ball after a first-down catch in the second quarter instead of fumbling it to the Terrapins?

Seriously, what if? Iowa was up 14-7 and driving …

Maryland's radio announcing team was shocked at Iowa going for a first down on 4th-and-5 at the Maryland 9, and understandably so. But the Hawkeyes have completely changed the way they do business on 4th-and-fairly short in enemy territory.

Jake Rudock hit Damon Bullock for seven yards, and Iowa scored a play later for a 14-0 lead. I think this is something more teams should do at all levels of football. Baylor does it and does it and does it.

Whatever the reason for Iowa, it's been refreshing to see Iowa with 13 fourth-down conversion attempts in 6 ½ games, and 10 conversions.

Maryland is in the Big Ten now. That didn't stop at least a couple of its students from wearing T-shirts here Saturday that said '(Expletive) Duke!”

A sign in the stands read 'We Still Hate Duke.”

A Maryland-Duke football game would be along the lines of Baylor-West Virginia.

The Gazette sports writers here for the game got the distinct pleasure of a tour of the White House's West Wing Friday night.

One of our former Gazette sports writer fraternity members, Tyler Lechtenberg, has been employed there for six years. I don't know if we are entitled to be proud of him, but we're proud of him all the same.

For all the nonsense surrounding politics in 2014, you go to the White House and you're overwhelmed by the importance of it and by a sense of history.

Thumbs up to Maryland's campus.

It's very eye-pleasing. It was also pleasing to find Byrd Stadium situated squarely inside that campus, with dormitories just beyond one end zone. It feels like a good university.

I was sorely tempted to get the 'Chessie” before the game, but discretion is the better part of valor. Plus, it costs $17.50. And, I'm told it has to be specially ordered in advance.

The Chessie is named after the Loch Ness Monster's less-famous Chesapeake Bay cousin. I didn't even know Nessie had a cousin.

The Chessie is a 24-ounce hot soft pretzel smothered in back fin crab dip and melted cheddar cheese, then topped with Old Bay seasoning (a Maryland-producted item) for two to four people. Or one extremely gluttonous one.

If you attended this game and ate an entire Chessie, let me know how it affected you during the game, and for the rest of the weekend.